Assessing the Effects of Palm Oil Consumption on Life Expectancy, Metabolic Markers, and Oxidative Stress in Drosophila melanogaster

• Published in: Cell biochemistry and function 2024-12, Vol.42 (8), p.e70017-n/a
• Main Authors: Silva, Gustavo Felipe, Rodrigues, Nathane Rosa, Boligon, Aline Augusti, Ávila, Eduardo, Rosa Silva, Luan, Franco, Jeferson Luis, Posser, Thaís
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Antioxidants; Antioxidants - metabolism; Biofuels; Biomarkers - metabolism; Cardiovascular diseases; Cholesterol; Consumption; Diet; drosophila; Drosophila melanogaster; Drosophila melanogaster - drug effects; Drosophila melanogaster - metabolism; Enzymatic activity; Enzyme activity; Enzymes; Fat metabolism; Female; Fruit flies; Glucose; Glycogen; Glycogens; High cholesterol diet; High fat diet; Insects; Life Expectancy; Life span; Lipid peroxidation; Lipid Peroxidation - drug effects; Lipids; Locomotor activity; Longevity - drug effects; Male; Metabolism; Oil consumption; Oil palm trees; Oxidative stress; Oxidative Stress - drug effects; Palm oil; Palm Oil - chemistry; Palmitic acid; Peroxidation; Plant Oils - pharmacology; Reactive Oxygen Species - metabolism; Trehalose; Triglycerides; Triglycerides - metabolism; Vegetable oils
• ISSN: 0263-6484; 1099-0844; 1099-0844
• DOI: 10.1002/cbf.70017

ABSTRACT Palm oil is the world's second most consumed vegetable oil, sourced from the tropical palm tree Elaeis guineensis. Its consumption has been associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease, largely due to its elevated palmitic acid content, however those studies are contradictory and inconclusive. Wishing to contribute to this issue, the present study aims to investigate the molecular and toxicological effects of this oil and the involvement of oxidative stress, given its role in metabolic dysfunctions using Drosophila melanogaster. This study examines survival rates, and locomotor performance, oxidative status by analysis of lipid peroxidation, ROS formation, thiol levels and antioxidant enzyme activity, and metabolic parameters such as cholesterol and triglycerides, glucose, trehalose and glycogen levels. Exposure to palm oil concentrations of 10% and 30% resulted in a shortened lifespan, reduced locomotor performance, and increased lipid peroxidation, with lower thiol levels and antioxidant enzyme modulation. Cholesterol levels was increased whereas energetic fuels as glucose and glycogen and trehalose were decreased mainly after 10 days of exposure. These findings underscore the detrimental effects of high‐fat diets containing palm oil on lifespan, antioxidant defenses, and metabolism in Drosophila melanogaster. This data highlights the potential risk associated with the habitual consumption of palm oil in the daily diet by population, particularly concerning cardiovascular health and metabolic function. Summary This manuscript explores the impact of consuming commercial palm oil on the diet of Drosophila Melanogaster, a reliable model for studying diet effects on metabolism, behavior, and biochemistry. Despite being a natural substitute for trans fats, the widespread incorporation of palm oil into diets raises concerns. Despite its natural origin, palm oil has been shown to affect behavior, reduce metabolic activity, and elevate cholesterol levels, alongside inducing oxidative stress, linked to various pathologies. Therefore, individuals should be cautious about excessive palm oil consumption, as it may contribute to cardiovascular and neurological conditions, despite its natural sourcing.